Don Nelson, NBA Legends Slam Doncic Mavericks Trade

Hall of Fame coach Don Nelson publicly criticized the Dallas Mavericks for trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, calling it a 'tremendous mistake' and wearing Doncic's signature shoes at the NBA Finals during his Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award acceptance. Nelson, who coached the Mavericks from 1997 to 2005, emphasized that teams should never trade generational players, a philosophy rooted in Red Auerbach's teachings. The protest was echoed by his son Donnie Nelson, the former Mavericks GM who drafted Doncic, and drew reactions from NBA figures including Dirk Nowitzki and Mark Cuban, who also expressed disappointment. Doncic acknowledged Nelson's support with a congratulatory social media message. Despite the controversy, Dallas recently won the NBA Draft Lottery and will select first overall. The event has reignited debates about player loyalty and the ramifications of blockbuster trades in the NBA.